CHICAGO – How much physical and mental strength does it take to stock the stacks? The American Library Association (ALA) Workplace Wellness Task Force will host a Wellness Fair from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., on Sunday, June 29, during the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif., June 26 - July 2, 2008.

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CHICAGO – How much physical and mental strength does it take to stock the stacks? The American Library Association (ALA) Workplace Wellness Task Force will host a Wellness Fair from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., on Sunday, June 29, in Hall D of the Convention Center, during the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif., June 26 - July 2, 2008.

Latest revision as of 08:27, 29 June 2008

ALA Conference Offers Workplace Wellness Fair

CHICAGO – How much physical and mental strength does it take to stock the stacks? The American Library Association (ALA) Workplace Wellness Task Force will host a Wellness Fair from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., on Sunday, June 29, in Hall D of the Convention Center, during the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif., June 26 - July 2, 2008.

From Yoga to Pilates, attendees will share ideas and receive tips from health experts on how to stay healthy and fit in the workplace. Key areas of discussion will include diet and nutrition, ergonomics, exercise incentives, health education, health screenings, sick building syndrome and stress management.

The Fair will feature health poster sessions, exercise sessions and celebrity Chef Bruno Serato of the Anaheim White House, who will prepare entrees from his cookbook “Temptation at the White House.” Serato also will sign copies of his cookbook after his cooking demonstration.

“As our libraries continue to mirror the needs of our communities, we also must support our library workers through offering healthy work environments,” said ALA President Loriene Roy. “The Wellness Fair will offer attendees an opportunity to learn how to combat fatigue, manage stress and receive information on how to create or support a healthier library workforce.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, unhealthy behaviors continue to increase in the United States, putting people more at risk for chronic illnesses. Exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and not using tobacco can help people prevent and manage chronic diseases. However, many people in the United States do not have easy access to healthy foods and safe convenient places to exercise.

As part of ALA President Loriene Roy’s presidential initiative, the mission of the Workplace Wellness Task Force is to produce tangible expressions that promote healthy workplaces and lifestyles among library workers.